Thanksgiving 2010

This time last year was difficult at best as my son struggled to recover from yet another major surgery precipitated by yet another bout with Crohn’s Disease. He was temporarily sprung from the hospital to enjoy the day with us, but he was unable to partake of the meal. Instead he received nourishment from the portable I.V. strapped on like a backpack. He took it like a champ. This year, although still not quite 100%, he is able to eat, eat, eat!!! I have prepared his favorite pecan pie just for him!

The “grownups” table for 12 set up in our living room has a little glitz and glam going for it. A seasonal rich chocolate brown table linen anchors the setting.

To offset the deep brown and add sparkle, I used lots of cut crystal that was sure to reflect the tiniest bit of light. Two crystal epergnes with gold trim are the crown jewels of the table. (Scroll further down this page to “Shake Your Tail Feather” to see this epergne used in a different tablescape, or click HERE to see it in a Christmas tablescape.)

The flowers in each of epergne include scads of seeded eucalyptus mixed with orange carnations and deep burgundy leucadendron. I opted for ivory metal case candles to avoid drips on the linens.

The smaller arrangements on this table are in cut crystal rose bowls with a pattern similar to that of the epergnes. Added to these arrangements are sprigs of russet-colored alstroemeria.

A patterned gold charger and ivory dinner plate are topped with rich chocolate napkins in a traditional fold. I gilded a handful of leaves (Lord knows there are plenty around to pick up!) and added an ivory mini pumpkin to plop on top. The leaves and pumpkins are repeated at intervals down the length of the table.

Longchamps crystal stemware again mimics the pattern of the floral vessels. Faux mother-of-pearl handled flatware completes the place setting.

I scaled back a bit on the amount of food this year, but I don’t think the menu disappoints. There’s a little something for everyone! The quote on each menu is from a book my husband received as a gift called “Gratitude”.

The fireplace mantel receives a lightweight treatment of Longchamps crystal mini vases filled with the same flowers as I used on the table. An array of shiny gold-colored candlesticks with ivory candles (watching them like a hawk!!!) fills out the arrangement.

The children’s table is not so fancy. It’s mostly about utility here, with a shot of “ooh wee!” tossed in by way of the centerpiece. A simple ivory linen is topped with a fun runner.

Each child’s place setting consists of a pumpkin-colored melamine dinner plate topped with a colorful floral paper napkin. Everyday stemware and flatware round it out. (I want the kids to learn to use stemware as opposed to regular glasses. I don’t worry so much about breakage when I use these relatively inexpensive everyday stems.)

The centerpiece has all the same flowers as on the adults’ dining table presented in a wooden & metal planter. The floral arrangement is flanked by two metal treasure chests spilling over with apples and grapes. The framed menu is for the benefit of the lucky adult who draws the short straw and gets babysitting duty! 🙂

I wish for each of you a safe, happy, loving and warm Thanksgiving holiday!

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16 thoughts on “Thanksgiving 2010”

Your “grownup” table is Stunning! I think it’s wonderful that you’re preparing the young peeps for the grownup table by making their table special as well. They’re never too young to learn proper table etiquette. Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving filled with love and laughter. Gobble-gobble!

WOW! Would it ever be special to dine at that table! You have created such glamour yet it has a homey feel too! Love the white pumpkins at each place setting! The candlesticks and vases on the mantel are gorgeous and must have created the perfect ambiance for your dinner. Very fun to have that separate kid’s table too!

Alycia –
Those lovely little Cinderella pumpkins look so perfect on your dark linens. So Beautiful!! Our children who are waaaaay past the childrens’ table still talk fondly of it. I actually think they would prefer to be at a table with just their cousins again.
Enjoy every minute of your sweet family.
Warmly,
Linda @ A Toile Tale

I know that it must have been a huge time for giving thanks because your precious son was able to participate in the meal. Everything looks magnificent. Isn’t it amazing the mileage that we can get out of an abundance of candlelight. The epergnes are gorgeous! If God looked kindly on coveting, I would definitely covet those…in the meantime, I’ll just be thrilled that you have something so very special. Thank you for sharing your lovely design. Cherry Kay

So exquisite! Yes, your epergnes are soooo beautiful! Where on earth did you find those? Everything you do is just gorgeous–the white pumpkins look stunning on each place setting. I’m sure your guests were blown away!! Can’t wait to see your Christmas settings!! Thanks for your kind comments and for visiting with me! Take care!

Thanks, Betsy! I bought the epergnes from a wholesale place about 10 years ago when I had a shop. I have only used them one other time, believe it or not, even though I love them! I have maybe 4 other styles of epergnes in my storage that I rarely use. I think it’s because …heck, I don’t know why!!! 🙂 Have a great week, and I look forward to seeing your fun Christmas stuff, too! Christmas is fun, fun, FUN for decorating. I’ll have to ask hubby to lift his ban on my floral budget overspending! 🙂

Oh, the grownup table is STUNNING! Love the dark brown tablecloth, but those centerpieces are amazing! I know all your guests were delighted to dine in such glamorous surroundings. And I am so happy that your son could enjoy Thanksgiving dinner this year!

Thanks so much, Tricia! The centerpieces were really easy to make, and I’m going to try and pull double-duty out of some of the foliage for another dinner party we’re hosting this week. My husband has handed down the command to cut my floral budget! 🙂